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Lake Watcher
The Newsletter of Lake Watch of Lake Martin
Editor: Eric Reutebuch
No. 60, Jan 2026
Letter from the President - Bill Butler
Greetings Lake Watchers,
Good news! For a limited time only, you are being offered a very special opportunity: the opportunity to get more involved in Lake Watch of Lake Martin.
We are interested in compiling a database identifying the special skills and talents that our members offer. If you have any specific training or skills, whether it be as a scientist, teacher, lawyer, engineer, accountant, writer, web designer or anything else that you think might be of service to Lake Watch, and you are willing to share those skills, please drop an email to info@lakewatch.com with your contact and other information. We promise not to overdo it, but Lake Watch has a wide range of very knowledgeable people, and it seems that we could be utilizing our members more than we are. Oh, and by the way, one of our first needs is someone who knows how to compile a database.
Achievements:
- 59 sites monitored in the lake and watershed
- Submitted 415 data records to the AWW statewide water quality database
- Recruited 9 new water monitors
- Advocated for water quality protections for the lake and watershed
- Presented to the Lion’s Club
- Educated students at the Tallapoosa County Water Festival
- Conducted a Smart Yards workshop on how to reduce pollutants entering the lake
Lake Watch Officers*:
Bill Butler, President
Craig Holloway, Vice President
Cheryl Losik, Secretary
Dave Maddox, Treasurer
Lake Watch Board of Directors:
(*Officers also serve on the board)
Kathryn Braund
Eric Reutebuch
Joe Logan
Chuck Jeroloman
Bert Frandsen
Wally Darnielle
Matt Campbell (Past President)
ANNUAL MEETING:
I hope you ’re making plans to attend our annual meeting on February 22, 2026, at New Water Farms, 460 Civitan Road, Dadeville, AL 36853. Plan to come at 1:30 pm for some food and socializing, and then we will kick off the meeting at 2:00 pm. We will have reports on activities in the past year and will be presenting some awards. Our speaker will be Caitlin Bowron, historian for the Alabama Power Company. We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lake Martin, so her presentation promises to be timely and interesting. (You may have seen the article in the January LAKE Magazine regarding this anniversary.).
That magazine issue also contains Lake Watch’s quarterly article. Check it out. This one is about septic tank usage and maintenance. The Board of Directors recently voted to make septic tank issues and their potential threat to the lake an area of emphasis for the upcoming year.
We have had a busy and productive year. Thanks to all our monitors for their hard work. Some of our monitoring statistics are listed in an article below. Thanks especially to Ann Campbell. our monitor coordinator, for keeping us organized and stocked with testing supplies. It has been a trial this year due to supply problems with the company we use, but hopefully the issues are being corrected.
You may have noticed a drastic new look to our website. If not, check it out. We have contracted with a company named JLK Designs to update and revise the site. It is still a work in progress, but it is already a big improvement over the previous version, which was in need of renovation after serving us for the past 15 years. As you use this site, we would welcome any suggestions for further improvements.
Thanks to all for your participation in and support of Lake Watch of Lake Martin. I am looking forward to another year working with you as we strive to protect and improve our Treasured Lake, and I hope to see you on February 22 at the annual meeting. (If you haven't already done so, you can pay your Lake Watch annual dues at that time.)
Board News
The Lake Watch board of directors met on January 25th to discuss our plans for this year. We had a good meeting to discuss our goals and objectives to strengthen Lake Watch and to continue the protection of our Treasured Lake.
The board said farewell to two of our long-time members, Harry DeNegre and Dianna Porter. THANK YOU, Harry and Dianna for your many years of service and dedication!
As provided by our bylaws, the Lake Watch board has appointed Wally Darneille and Bert Frandsen to fill these vacant positions for the remaining two years of their term.
Committees
To fulfill the goals of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, we have committees, each having their own purpose and goals within the group. Our committees are as follows:
We are active participants in Lake Watch because we love this lake and this area. We want to keep it safe and clean forever. We are always looking for people who feel the same way and especially for new people with special skills to better fulfill the tasks of our various committees. If you are wanting to get more involved and have a love of Lake Martin, please consider joining us in protecting and preserving ourTreasured Lake. Contact our Lake Watch President, Bill Butler at info@lakewatch.org to find out how you can help.
Membership ♦ Finance ♦ Monitoring ♦ Education Outreach ♦ Information Technology ♦ Graphite Plant ♦ Advocacy ♦ Swim Guide ♦ Margaritaville RV Resort
Finance Report – Dave Maddox
At our January 25th board meeting, our Treasurer, Dave Maddox, reported that the 2025 annual income was $9,605, and 2025 annual expenses were $5,068. The bank balance as of 1/1/2025 was $18,846; and $23,382 as of 12/31/2025. The current balance is higher than we have had in past years for two reasons. First, we received a $5,000 in-kind grant each of the last two years from the Turner Foundation in the form of monitoring supplies. This grant may not continue in future years. Second, we received many special memorial contributions for Dick Bronson and John Durr who, sadly, passed away. A big THANK YOU to all who support Lake Watch through annual dues and donations, especially our Silver, Gold and Platinum donors! We couldn’t operate without your support!
2025 FINANCIAL REPORT
| Bank Balance as of 1/1/2025 | $18,845.56 |
| Membership & Donations | $ 9,604.84 |
| Expenses from 2025: | |
| Roth Bio Science R-cards | $ 694.50 |
| Eon Chemicals | $ 43.78 |
| Supplies, PO Box, Mailings | $ 764.07 |
| Credit Card Fees | $ 116.10 |
| Meetings Room Rental | $ 650.00 |
| Wild Apricot Software | $ 837.37 |
| Donations | $ 375.00 |
| Conferences & Training | $ 837.33 |
| Web Design | $ 750.00 |
| Total 2025 Expenses | $ 5,068.15 |
| Bank Balance as of 12/31/2025 | $23,382.25 |
Below are our best estimates for our 2026 expenses. Note, monitoring chemicals and supplies are fully budgeted since we cannot assume that the generous grant that has been covering these expenses will continue.
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2026
| Monitor chemicals and supplies | $ 6,500 |
| Wild Apricot software program | $ 2,999 |
| JLK Designs IT consultant | $ 750 |
| Treasured Alabama Lake/Lake Watch historical marker | $ 4,000 |
| Director attendance at state conferences and continuing education | $ 1,000 |
| Education materials, pamphlets and community outreach | $ 1,000 |
| Total | $16,249 |
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee has been strategizing on ways to reach out to the Lake Martin area community to increase our Lake Watch membership. Ongoing projects include updating and reprinting the Lake Watch trifold brochure and/or leaflets, updating our educational kiosk at Wind Creek State Park, acquiring materials for Lake Watch outreach displays and booths (Lake Watch bling, Lake Watch tablecloth, posters, etc.), and exploring posting adds in Lake Magazine.
Lake Watch Environmental Education/Outreach
Water Festival
Lake Watchers Dianna Porter (pictured at right), Judy Palfrey and Cheryl Losik educated youth on the importance of water and protection of our water resources at the Tallapoosa Water Festival organized by 4H at Wind Creek State Park in April. They presented the ‘Water Cycle’ to more than 125 4th grade students.
Lion’s Club
Bill Butler and Eric Reutebuch spoke to the Alexander City Lion’s Club in April. Their presentation was entitled: “Lake Watch of Lake Martin - Who We Are and What We Do”. Bill gave a general overview of the history and functions of the organization, and Eric discussed our monitoring activities, with a focus on the Swim Alert program. The presentation was well received and generated a lot of interest and questions. Thanks to member Ed Eiswerth for arranging this opportunity to publicize Lake Watch.
Smart Yards Lawn Care
Lake Watch and Lake Martin HOBOs hosted a workshop in September at New Water Farms on best practices for a healthier yard, how to reduce storm water runoff and protect the shoreline and the waters of our Treasured Lake. The panelists were Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) Specialists, Dr. Eve Brantley, Associate Director, ACES and Shane Harris, County Extension Director, Tallapoosa County. About 30 area residents attended the workshop. Check out this ACES publication for an overview: www.aces.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ANR-1441.pdf .
Lake Magazine Publications
The Lake Watch President submits an article to Lake Magazine once a quarter to educate the public about our lake and watershed stewardship activities. Check out the articles published in 2025 and the first article of 2026 (posted at Latest News on our website):
- Resolve to Maintain Your Septic System, by: Bill Butler, Lake Watch President, in LAKE Magazine, January 2026 Edition
- The Answer's Not Blowing in the Wind, by: Bill Butler, Lake Watch President, in LAKE Magazine, October 2025 Edition
- Meet Lake Watch's New Leader, by: Bill Butler Lake Watch, President, in LAKE Magazine, July 2025 Edition
- Fight to Project Natural Lands, by: Matt Campbell, Lake Watch Past President & Director, in LAKE Magazine, April 2025 Edition
- Lake Watch for Clean Water Advocacy, by: Matt Campbell, Lake Watch President, in LAKE Magazine, January 2025 Edition
Lake Watch Website Update – Kathryn Braund
Our IT committee and board of directors have been working with a web designer to update and modernize our website. Our goal was to simplify the page and make it more user friendly for mobile devices. Our website will still feature our Swim Guide, hazard and emergency contact list, and contains a wealth of information on our accomplishments, how to become a water monitor, access to all our newsletters and publications, as well as detailed maps of our water testing sites. You can also find information on upcoming events and a handy link to our Facebook page.
Water Monitoring – Ann Campbell & Eric Reutebuch
In the summer of 2025, seven new monitors were certified. Six of those were certified in both chemistry and bacteriological monitoring and one focusing on bacteriological. As a result, 11 new monitoring sites were added to our roster. In the fall, two more monitors became certified in both disciplines specifically in response to concerns regarding suspect septic systems designed for single family use but overloaded at residential short-term rental properties.
We wished a fond farewell to two faithful monitors, one who has retired and one who moved away:
Janne Debes was recipient of the 2022 Woodfin Martin Award for her extensive efforts in water monitoring at six sites on the lake and its tributaries, her service as treasurer and water monitor supplies quartermaster, and her service on the Lake Watch Board of Directors.
Dale Campo also faithfully monitored six sites on the lake and its tributaries and served on the Board of Directors for several years while he was a resident of Alabama.
THANK YOU both for your service! All of their sites have been reassigned to others on the Lake Watch team.
If you or acquaintances are interested in monitoring or have specific water degradation concerns anywhere around Lake Martin, on its tributary creeks, the Tallapoosa River or in the Tallapoosa Watershed in general and want to be a part of our mission to protect the waters of Alabama’s Treasured Lake from degradation, consider joining the monitoring team by attending the Spring training class to be held by the Alabama Water Watch team on day March 19, 2026 at the Montgomery Zoo. There is no fee to attend. Here’s the link to register.
If you want to support our mission, but aren’t able to monitor, do consider making a donation to Lake Watch for the purpose of purchasing monitoring supplies. Lake Watch is a 501(c)(3) organization which relies on contributions and memberships for funding. Lake Watch buys monitoring materials using those funds. You can donate at: Donate to Lake Watch.
Chemistry and bacteriological testing are conducted monthly and results are reported to Alabama Water Watch at Auburn where they are recorded with data from across the watershed (Mike Guillot conducting water chemistry testing at right). The cost of bacteriological test materials for a single site is about $10 per event. In 2026, an AWW program-approved basic chemistry kit costs $442.80. Chemistry tests include pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, air and water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. As the individual chemical reagents are exhausted, those items must be refilled. AWW and its partners help Lake Watch to defray those costs by buying reagents in bulk, but the more people who are willing to help with those costs the better
As of the end of December 2025, Lake Watch had a total of 25 bacteriological monitors at 55 sites in Lake Martin and in tributary creeks flowing into the lake; plus 9 water chemistry monitors at 14 sites throughout the lake, a total of 59 sites (10 sites are monitored for both bacteria and water chemistry).
Our 59 active Lake Watch monitoring sites are mapped below (sites=green markers), from Little Hillabee Creek (in the lake’s headwaters above Hackneyville) down to the Martin Dam. I am happy to report that our volunteer water monitors’ data, for the most part, showed excellent water quality throughout the lake.
There were, however, several sites that had violations of ADEM water quality standards (see table below). The violations were all due to fecal contamination measured as elevated E. coli levels in the water, exceeding the State standard for swimming and whole-body contact, 235 E. coli per 100 mL of water (or 3 ½ ounces, about half a cup of water).
| WATERBODY / CREEKS | LOCATION | SAMPLE DATE | ECOLI/100 ml |
| Blue Creek | Tallapoosa CR 15,Churchill Rd | 16-Mar-25 | 15,967 |
| Blue Creek | North Thornton Rd Bridge | 16-Mar-25 | 10,567 |
| Chattasofka | Herren St Bridge | 14-Feb-25 | 1,300 |
| Chattasofka | Herren St Bridge | 19-Jun-25 | 300 |
| Emuckfaw Creek | AL HWY 49 Bridge | 19-Aug-25 | 2,767 |
| Emuckfaw Creek | AL HWY 49 Bridge | 19-May-25 | 567 |
| Emuckfaw Creek | AL HWY 49 Bridge | 08-Apr-25 | 467 |
| Emuckfaw Creek | AL HWY 49 Bridge | 14-Jun-25 | 400 |
| Emuckfaw Creek | AL HWY 49 Bridge | 20-Oct-25 | 267 |
| Hillabee Creek | Sanford Rd Bridge | 13-Feb-25 | 4,300 |
| Hillabee Creek | CWM4 outside of Alex City RT 22 | 13-Feb-25 | 3,700 |
| Hillabee Creek | Sanford Rd Bridge | 21-May-25 | 3,133 |
| Hillabee Creek | CWM4 outside of Alex City RT 22 | 21-May-25 | 2,567 |
| Hillabee Creek | CWM4 outside of Alex City RT 22 | 27-Jun-25 | 1,100 |
| Hillabee Creek | Sanford Rd Bridge | 27-Jun-25 | 967 |
| Hillabee Creek | Sanford Rd Brdige | 25-Nov-25 | 333 |
| Little Hillabee | Tallapoosa CR 5 bridge | 21-May-25 | 2,267 |
| Little Hillabee | Tallapoosa CR 5 bridge | 13-Feb-25 | 1,567 |
| Little Hillabee | Tallapoosa CR 5 bridge | 27-Jun-25 | 400 |
| Little Hillabee | Tallapoosa CR 5 bridge | 25-Aug-25 | 267 |
| Little Sandy | Old HWY 280 bridge | 16-Mar-25 | 1,500 |
| Little Sandy | Old HWY 280 bridge | 22-Oct-25 | 300 |
| Little Sandy | downstream of Camp Hill WWTP | 16-Mar-25 | 1,600 |
| Little Sandy | downstream of Camp Hill WWTP | 29-Apr-25 | 1,333 |
| Parker Creek | bridge at Cook Road | 06-Aug-25 | 833 |
| Sandy Creek | Agricola Road | 14-Feb-25 | 1,067 |
| Sandy Creek | Agricola Road | 06-Aug-25 | 300 |
| Stearns Creek | Elmore CR 480 bridge | 27-Oct-25 | 2,067 |
| Stearns Creek | Elmore CR 480 bridge | 24-Aug-25 | 1,100 |
| Stearns Creek | Elmore CR 480 bridge | 11-Jul-25 | 967 |
| Timbergut Creek | Whaley Ferry Rd bridge | 19-Aug-25 | 5,433 |
| Timbergut Creek | at Tallapoosa CR 100 bridge | 08-Apr-25 | 467 |
| Timbergut Creek | Whaley Ferry Rd bridge | 19-May-25 | 300 |
| Timbergut Creek | Whaley Ferry Rd bridge | 17-Sept-25 | 300 |
| WATERBODY / RIVERS | |||
| Tallapoosa River | Site 1 Horseshoe Bend National | 19-May-25 | 1,607 |
| Tallapoosa River | Site 1 Horseshoe Bend National | 17-Sep-25 | 400 |
| WATERBODY / LAKES | |||
| Lake Martin | Kowaliga Resturant Beach, off AL | 02-Jul-25 | 3,100 |
| Lake Martin | at Jaybird Creek Road Ramp | 19-May-25 | 1,100 |
| Lake Martin | Kowaliga Resaurant Beach, off AL | 28-Jun-25 | 1,067 |
| Lake Martin | at Jaybird Creek Road Ramp | 08-Apr-25 | 600 |
| Lake Martin | Slough between Rudy Ln, and | 25-Jun-25 | 567 |
| Lake Martin | above Andrew Jackson | 29-May-25 | 533 |
| Lake Martin | Wind Creek State Park beach | 30-Jun-25 | 433 |
The vast majority of these high E. coli readings were after rainfall-runoff events. As we have observed in the past, fecal contamination was detected in creeks and in the Tallapoosa River above the lake, particularly after significant rain events. High E. coli levels were measured in:
Creeks: Emuckfaw Timbergut, Little Hillabee, Hillabee, Blue, Chattasofka, Sandy, Little Sandy, Parker, and Stearns creeks.
Tallapoosa River at: Horseshoe Bend, Jaybird Landing, and near Andrew Jackson.
Lake Martin:Jaybird Landing, above Andrew Jackson, Wind Creek Beach*, Kowaliga Restaurant Beach**, Slough on Stearns Creek Embayment.
We are continuing our work to not only identify areas in the lake and its watershed that are contaminated with fecal matter (E. coli), but also working to identify where the contamination is coming from and resolve the sources.
* The one-time contamination at the Wind Creek State Park beach was due to a dirty diaper, and verified as clean by follow-up testing.
**The contamination at the Kowaliga Restaurant Beach was suspected to come from waterfowl, and resolved by termination of feeding the waterfowl and verified as clean by follow-up testing.
Examination of the Lake Watch water chemistry data indicated that the lake, river and streams were all clean and in good condition except for a few areas with low dissolved oxygen levels (see table below; Janne Debes monitoring stream water chemistry with AWW staffer Carolina Ruiz pictured at right). Two sites in the Sandy Creek Embayment had low dissolved oxygen levels (in mg/L; levels below 5.0 mg/L do not meet the State standard for aquatic life) in October and November, as did one site on a tributary stream of Blue Creek in October.
| Waterbody | Location | Sample Date | Oxygen |
| Lake Martin | Slough between Rudy Land and Barlow Road | 01-Nov-25 | 4.2 |
| Lake Martin | Youngs Ferry Rd south side | 05-Oct-25 | 4.4 |
| Blue Creek UT | Moonbranch Dr | 06-Oct-25 | 4.8 |
Monitoring on request: Lake Watch monitored multiple times at multiple locations around the lake when residents requested testing. When monitoring revealed bacteriological contamination, Lake Watch advised residents on contacting appropriate authorities to try to resolve the issue. Resolution is challenging when the issue is sporadic and unpredictable, and jurisdiction/ enforcement of such water quality issues is not straightforward. Lake Watch hopes to improve on resolving these issues by promoting stronger water quality regulations relative to lakeshore lot septic systems.
Lastly - a big THANK YOU to all of our Lake Watch volunteer monitors and Ann Campbell for coordinating our Lake Watch training and keeping all of our monitors supplied!
Swim Guide – Eric Reutebuch
Lake Watch initiated the Swim Guide program in 2022 after detecting high levels of E. coli in the upper lake in the fall of 2021. Bacteriological monitoring is conducted monthly at 17 sites during the warm months (April-October) at the 17 sites throughout the lake and on several creeks popular for swimming and other water-recreation activities. Starting last spring, we sampled for bacteria (E. coli) at the sites identified below on the map. Check out the Swim Guide website regularly to avoid contacting contaminated waters (www.lakewatch.org/swim-alert).
Clean Water Advocacy – Matt Campbell
The main function of Lake Watch of Lake Martin is recruiting and training citizen volunteer monitors to provide EPA-approved science-based water quality monitoring on Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa River Watershed and reporting accurate data to the Alabama Water Watch Program database at Auburn University. The Lake Watch Advocacy Committee shares in this responsibility, including interface with the Lake Watch Monitoring Committee to help in strategic selection of monitoring sites and program decisions. The Advocacy Committee helps guide Lake Watch citizen participation in clean water advocacy proceedings at Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Alabama Power Company (APC) and citizen clean water advocacy with local government. This past year the Advocacy Committee led Lake Watch participation at several events, including,
1. Submission of Lake Watch monitoring data and comments to ADEM for the annual preparation of ADEM’s 303(d) list of steams which are water quality impaired and require remediation in order to meet their water use classification.
2. Meeting with ADEM staff and submission of comment letters regarding development of total maximum daily load (TMDL) limits and nonpoint source pollution practices on three streams in the Tallapoosa Watershed selected by ADEM for remediation. (In the Tallapoosa River Watershed: Emuckfaw Creek, High Pine Creek and the Upper Tallapoosa River have been selected.)
3. Meeting with ADEM staff and submission of letters regarding permitting standards for commercial developments and high-density residential developments on Lake Martin.
4. Providing written comments and verbal comments at the annual ADEM Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) meeting at ADEM regarding rules and best practices for poultry production and poultry waste disposal in Alabama.
5. Providing written comments and verbal comments at a FERC meeting regarding the turbine operation schedule and environmental impact statement for the Harris Dam relicensing proceedings.
6. Attendance at the ADEM annual nonpoint source management conference in Wetumpka.
Lake Watch Advocacy Committee helps guide Lake Watch participation at meetings and correspondence with Alabama Water Watch, Alabama Rivers Alliance, Southern Environmental Law Center and Alabama Power Company
Further important items for the Advocacy Committee this year will include construction stormwater runoff, ADEM clean water regulations and permitting, Lake Martin area septic/environmental regulations by Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), and Alabama Power Company shoreline management and permitting
Construction Storm Water Runoff into the Lake
With more and more construction occurring on Lake Martin, we can have problems with construction storm water runoff into the lake. ADEM has existing regulations which require an ADEM permit and mandatory best practices regarding construction storm water runoff. Lake Watch has received a specific request from ADEM field services division that Lake Watch help be the eyes of ADEM on Lake Martin by observing sites draining into Lake Martin which appear to be a construction storm water runoff problem and reporting that to ADEM. Lake Watch is asking all its members and its monitors to look out for construction stormwater runoff problems on Lake Martin and to report apparent violations. We have an “Emergency Contacts” space on the Lake Watch website which links to ADEM for filing a construction stormwater runoff “complaint” with ADEM.
Enforcement of ADEM Clean Water Regulations for Lake Martin, a “Treasured Alabama Lake”
Lake Watch recognizes the importance of citizen advocacy for enforcement of existing ADEM clean water regulations applicable to Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa Watershed streams. This includes strict permitting standards for new commercial developments and high-density residential developments on the lake. Specifically, we advocate for strict enforcement of existing ADEM “Treasured Alabama Lake” regulations restricting new point source and nonpoint source pollution on Lake Martin and preventing degradation of our existing clean water.
Lake Martin area septic/environmental regulations by ADPH
The Advocacy Committee is becoming familiar with septic/environmental regulations by Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). We support evolving ADPH regulations requiring “deep hole” inspection and core sampling-soil composition analysis regulations in addition to the traditional “perc test” for on-site wastewater treatment and disposal. This would apply particularly to commercial sites and high-density residential sites such as RV parks, subdivisions, condos. We may advocate for new regulations to require periodic septic system inspection and maintenance regulations for Lake Martin area properties, specifically including commercial and cluster systems and also Lake Martin area residences that are used for short-term rental and subject to the county lodging tax, such as for VRBO use.
Lake Watch has spent over 30 years building a good reputation on Lake Martin. We value our relationship with Alabama Water Watch, ADEM, and with Alabama Power Company. We want all our fellow lake lovers and our institutional friends to know that Lake Watch is paying attention. We welcome input from Lake Watch members. If you're interested in getting involved, please reach out to us. Together, we can continue to help protect Lake Martin's water quality and natural beauty.
Collaboration Efforts
AWW -*Lake Watch endorsed the AWW grant proposal, Co-designing Resiliency: From Monitoring to Making Change with Citizen Science Water Data to the to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, Medicine Gulf Research Program and NOAA Environmental Literacy Program, submitted in May.
AWW - Lake Watch is benefiting from a generous grant that AWW received from the F Allen & Louise S Turner Foundation which provides funding for our water testing supplies.
SELC - Lake Watch signed on in support of comments submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center, Recommendations on Implementation of the Definition of “Waters of the United States” to strengthen protections of the streams and rivers throughout the country.
*AWW was awarded the grant! Lake Watch will participate as one of the project’s pilot groups.
Activities include sessions with AWW to discuss water-related issues in our Lake Martin community, providing feedback on barriers we have encountered in using our Lake Watch monitoring data and ways to overcome identified barriers. Lake Watch monitors will also be provided with water monitoring supplies through participation in this grant.
Historical Marker
Lake Watch is pleased to announce that the Alabama Historical Association has approved a historical marker commemorating Lake Watch and Lake Martin’s Treasured Alabama Lake designation (ceremonial signing by Gov. Riley creating TAL, December 2010 at Children’s Harbor pictured at right). The planned installation location is in Wind Creek State Park near the Lake Watch kiosk next to the silo.
Closing Thoughts
YOU are what makes Lake Watch of Lake Martin work! We urge each of our Lake Watch members to spread the word about Lake Watch, to support our programs and to participate – give your neighbor a Lake Watch brochure and a pep talk. Help sign up new members to our team! Consider becoming a monitor or a trainer. Volunteer to serve on one of our committees. Consider an additional donation to Lake Watch! Not everyone can get out and monitor water, or teach in a classroom, or give a presentation, but each member is essential to our success. We welcome your suggestions/ideas on how to better protect our lake from emerging threats.
Together, we can make a difference in the protection of our lake, in water conservation and clean water advocacy, and in the world we leave for our children. If every Lake Watch member encourages one or two friends to join in our efforts, it will go a long way toward ensuring the continuation of the good work we've accomplished over the past 30 years. Go visit your neighbor and convince him or her to sign up. Signing up is easy, just go to our website, www.lakewatch.org and click the menu item ‘Get Involved’, you’ll be glad you did!
Dues Reminder
Take the plunge, if you haven’t already!
Protect Lake Martin by supporting Lake Watch!
And ask a neighbor to do the same!
To renew your membership or to join, you can pay online (preferred) or send your check to:
P. O. Box 425, Dadeville, AL 36853
Membership levels are listed below:
Regular dues (annual): Individual $20 Family $30
Lake Martin Steward: Silver $50 Gold $100 Platinum $250
We also welcome donations of any amount. Don't forget – a donation in someone's honor/ memory is a lovely tribute.